British Library installs innovative solar tech to decarbonise heat

The British Library has announced the installation of the largest solar heat project in the UK, partnering with Naked Energy and CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS). This initiative aims to significantly reduce the library’s carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources.

The installation features 950 solar collectors spread across 712.5 square meters of the library’s roof. It is expected to lower CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes annually and generate approximately 216 MWh of energy, enough to power and heat a community center or swimming pool for a year.

Naked Energy’s solar technology, the Virtu product range, stands out for its high energy density. This technology efficiently converts sunlight into both heat and electricity from a single collector, enabling a substantial reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional solar PV panels. The system will provide sanitary hot water and space heating for the library, benefiting both staff and visitors.

In an unusual application of solar technology, the collectors will also help maintain the precise temperature and humidity required to preserve the library’s extensive collection, which includes over 170 million items ranging from newspapers and maps to sound recordings and patents.

During the planning phase of the installation, Virtu solar technology secured planning permission on the Grade I-listed building, as its unique low-profile design does not disrupt the Library’s architecture and remains invisible from street level.

The British design and engineering business recently received investment from E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and Barclays in the first close of its Series B capital raise, totalling £17m.

Christophe Williams, founder and CEO of Naked Energy:

“It’s an honour to partner with such an iconic British institution and be a part of their journey to meet their net zero goals.

“The urgent need to decarbonise heat has long been under-recognised in the discussions over the UK’s move toward net zero. We hope that this project can serve as a catalyst to inspire others in the public sector to join the energy transition and move away from fossil fuels once and for all. This project has been an immense undertaking and is an exciting step forward for the solar thermal industry in the UK.”

Patrick Dixon, director of estates and construction at the British Library:

“The British Library is delighted to have benefitted from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. We have received two grants under the scheme, one of which provided the funds for our supply partners CBRE to work with Naked Energy to design and install this innovative technology on our Grade I Listed building in London.

“This project is part of the Library’s commitment to environmental action and we are pleased to have formally launched our new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy during Green Libraries Week. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance. It provides capital funding to public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures.”

Jon Benford, MD at CBRE GWS:

“We’re incredibly excited to be delivering the largest solar heat installation project in the UK for our client, the British Library, and supporting such an iconic British institution on their net zero journey. Working towards net zero emissions in a Grade 1 listed English Heritage building comes with its own unique challenges, and we’re proud of the role this project will play in both preserving the past and protecting the future.”